Board: Yes Standard
Size: 159
Camber Option: Camrock. Camber between the feet and rocker in the tips.
Bindings: K2 Indy
Stance: 21.5 Wide 18 Negative 15 Goofy
Boots: K2 Thraxis
My Weight: 188lbs
Resort: Arapahoe Basin
Conditions: Overcast skies, frigid temperatures, high winds, low visibility at times, firm fast snow.
Flex: This board has an around the middle of the road flex. It’s that right mix of freestyle fun and all mountain charging. The tips are playful enough to press but still have that precision you would expect from a board that has a set of powder inserts. The torsional give is abundant enough to center flex and steer the board from the mid-bite contact point back if you want or locked and loaded.
Stability: There’s a little bit of chatter and flap up in the tips when charging but the good thing is this doesn’t resonate back towards the inserts and up into the legs. Think of it as damp yet very lively.
Ollies: Snap is the name of the game with this board. The sweet spot for boosting off the camber zone on this board is immense. It has that pop you know and want whether you’re really loading up or being more lazy.
Pop On Jumps: When hitting the flattest jumps on Earth it’s good to know that the board has the pop you need to make it to what resembles a landing. This board can be in the air and doesn’t fight it.
Butterability: The rockered tips coupled with the shape of the board give a nice sweet spot for pressing and playing around. The board has a little fight in it but not enough to wear you out or hinder you from being able to really drive your weight into the board.
Jibbing: Would I jib on this board all day? Probably not, but it’s got that perfect amount of flex that you can lock into a rail or two if you want. My suggestion, go a little faster if you want it to press a bit harder.
Carving: So the sidecut on this board wants to rip into a groomer like your drunk uncle at Thanksgiving. The mid-bite contact point works and is most prevalent when you’re center flexing the board causing the nose to lift up. That added bite into the snow really helps. The sidecut and flex of this board is just so well balanced that any type of turn initiation comes with ease.
Rider in Mind: The guy that wants a twin that has the option to set it back. They’ll ride the park, ride some groomers, get into the pow, rip a tree line or two. It’s for the guy that needs a quiver of one deck.
Personal Thoughts: As I said to my friend when we finished up riding for the day “I could see this as my daily driver if I had a smaller size.” It was that well balanced of a board. It’s got just the right amount of flex to really push this board through a hard turn yet still be playful enough for hitting a rail or two. Overall I’m kind of pissed I haven’t ridden this deck sooner.
Comparable Boards: Dinosaurs Will Die Brewster, Gnu SPAM, Nitro Suprateam
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78 Comments
How does it compare to the mercury
Mercury is a bit more playful and not as damp in my opinion. I find the Mercury a better all arounder if you’re more freestyle focused while this one I’d say is a bit better at charging.
Sounds like you liked the standard. Do you like it as much as the Greats. I was comparing the 158 Greats to 156 standard as my big mountain daily. Which do you like better? I don’t do any park anymore so it’s just popping, tight turns, trees. Sounds like they’re both good options.
You’re not going to want a Greats if you’re looking for a big mountain daily, it’s just not the right board.
How would you say the standard compares to the Jones mountain twin? Looking for a quiver of one board that has pow capabilities. And I value hard charging much more than freestyle, but still want the option of going switch.
For what you’re looking for the Standard is better than the Mountain Twin.
Hey Angry, I’m looking for a deck that’s really quick edge to edge for rallying through bumpy terrain/trees, holds up on firm snow and can rip a carve, and floats decently in maybe 1-1.5 ft of fresh. Something that’s middle of the road to medium/stiff would be great, not looking for a super stiff charger or a noodley park board. A few boards came to mind like this, the Yes Basic, Jones Mountain twin, and the United Shapes Deep Reach, but since you have had the chance to ride dozens of boards I was wondering what would make your shortlist for this. (I’ve got size 11 boots so something with a mid/wide or wide option would be awesome.) The reviews are the addition of video reviews was awesome, keep it up!
-Andy
Do you want a twin? Otherwise there would be more options. I’d look at the Jones Mind Expander, Yes Optimistic, Standard, PYl, or even the 420, Gnu Spam, Ride Wildlife, Rome Blur, pretty sure there’s more I could be mentioning.
I guess a twin isn’t super necessary, I like to butter around a bit, maybe throw a spin or two and ride a bit of switch every once in a while, but switch riding/takeoffs/landings definitely aren’t part my bread and butter.
Hi Angry.
Is this a board you would size down on. I usally ride a 159 but notice it is quite a wide board.
Thanks Adam
Honestly you could.
As the only board you own is it a bad idea to get a true twin? Or should you get something more directional? Need a quiver of one board and I’m worried about buying a twin since I don’t ride switch. But this seems to tick all the boxes
It doesn’t matter.
Hello! I’m a fresh intermediate, been riding 4 weeks in total on rental. I was thinking of this as my first board, but while I can carve quite well and generally mess around on groomers I suck ass at riding switch. Would a twin be a bad choice? Will directional provide help a newbie since I’d imagine it provides a few advantages? Also I’m thinking RCR board will help me be a better rider and, or should I get a CRC board? No idea what the rental boards I’ve used were. I just ride. I ride all over the mountain, not much park since I fall alot there. Would like to improve on jumping, jibbing isn’t my thing. I’m too old and fragile (30!). Also a huge thing is, I’d like a board that is reasonably in gulley’s and moderate offpiste powder. I don’t have a huge backcountry so just need an all around board!
This is not the board you need. Get a Jones Explorer or a Rossignol Templar.
Nice, I’ll look at those. If I may ask one last question, how does the capita mercury or YE. PYL sound for me? (I can get discount on YES boards).
No.
Helloes!
Looking at this as my daily driver. I need a do-it-all board and do everything well enough. Could this be it, or would you suggest something else?
If you’re doing Yes you want the Typo for a daily driver.
Quiver killer, looking for the best. Least important factor is park ability.
Jones mountain twin vs Capita Merc vs YES. Standard
YES. typo is unfortunately not an option as the graphics for 2019 are complete horseshit and for 13 year old kids.
If you’re not doing any park and those are your options, then it’s the Standard.
Would you suggest something else? More options are better as I can shop around different places for prices
There’s so many options out there. Rossignol The One, Ride Helix, Ride Berzerker, Rome National, Rome Ravine, Rome Mod, Lib Tech TRS, Gnu Riders Choice, Salomon Mans Board, at this point I’d say just dig through the reviews we’ve done.
Thanks alot, I already started. Tho:
TRS seems quite aggressive?
Ride helix is asym twin, why is that better than say Merc or standard?
Ross one is directional like the MT?
Can’t find a review of the Rome Ravine? Shape looks interesting tho. Thanks again.
It is.
It’s got a deeper sidecut on the heelside edge so you can really crank a carve with it. It’s also stiffer than the Merc and Standard to start out but takes longer to break in.
Yes.
No review of the Ravine as it’s a new model and we won’t have it out till the fall.
Quiver of one for a guy who just moved into the intermediate category looking to improve and progress on all fronts. Except jibbing, I have no interest in that at all
Could this be the board im looking for or should I look for something else?
Thanks
You want the Typo over this if you go with Yes otherwise Capita Mercury.
Thanks, I’ve been looking at it. Can’t get the 2018 version anywhere, the 2019 has basalt stringers instead of carbon fiber, will I feel any difference? Im guesing no, but you never know.
Also that small bump in the middle, deathgrip they seem to call it, does it work? Or is that just gimmick?
You’re not going to notice anything with the basalt in all honesty. As for the Deathgrip it kind of works when you’re on ice or really firm snow but it’s not something that’s crazy overwhelming.
Im hyped for this board, I did some reading around and everyone seems to love their mercury, can’t believe I missed it. Getting new boots and bindings – i already purchased boots, I got the Burton Ruler as they fit amazing on my almost elephantiasis feet. But bindings is almost impossible to pick among the 2323923929 different kind. Im looking at the Union Strata right now, but they seem new and unreviewed. Would you recommend some?
Get affiliate links to Amazon.de ASAP btw 🙂 Have a great one!
I’ve seen the new Strata and it looks interesting, should pair up well with a Mercury. I’d also look at the Force as it’s a work horse binding from Union. Others I’d consider the Rome Katana, Ride Capo, K2 Formula, Arbor Hemlock, and The Now Pilot/Ipo.
Hello to you
To make it short, im broke AF – my local snowboard shop has the following on sale (last years models and they are all wide models, if that makes a difference in the recommendation?).
YES. Standard
Rome Reverb Rocker
Libtech Terrain Wrecker
Arbor Element
Here is the catch. I only got 3 years of riding, where its 6 days pr year. I have figured out I want to ride all mountain. I dont like the park.
What would you recommend?
Terrain Wrecker, hands down.
Hi Angry. Am looking at getting a new board. Am looking for an all Mountain board that’s can handle a bit of everything. I have a dedicated powder board already. Am a bigger guy 220lb plus big feet 13us feet. I lot of the dedicated wide boards are way stiff, not much play in them and are good for charging but not fun and playful. Also most snowboard company’s wide snowboards wide board waist is 26.2 and that is just enough but to be honest is still a bit narrow when you do deep carves and when it’s very speep. A waist of 26.8 is probably about right more or less.
The question what other options are there for an all Mountain board that has a waist of around 26.8 is there that’s NOT a plank? (Not sure if there is much else) the 162 Yes standard could be the one for me!?
O definitely prefer camber
Thanks
For your size it might work.
Might work? Why wouldn’t it?
And any other options?
Just buy it.
The Jones explorer is a possibility vs the yes standard?
It’ll be a lot softer than the Standard that’s for sure.
Hey dude. Been stuck on a few boards, would love you hear your input. I’m considering the yes standard, Jones mountain twin, and the mercury. I’m 6’2” ~180lbs, size 12 thraxis…do I need a wide option? I don’t fuck with the park, I like to hard carve, bomb, looking for natural kickers, tree runs, and powder runs when the chance presents itself. Thanks mannn
You will need a wide for the MT but I believe and I’m far too lazy this early in the morning to look at the spec sheet that the Mercury will be wide enough for you as far as the Standard I think it’s a mid wide already, could be wrong. For what you’re describing the Standard is probably the better pick then the MT and finally the Mercury.
Hello sunshine!
I just bought a YES standard of my buddy, im a high end beginner/low end intermediate – how much will I kill myself on this board?
You’ll hate life for a while, maybe contemplate quitting snowboarding, but ultimately come out the other side a better snowboarder. Or you won’t.
Hey Angry,
I’ve bot this board and looking forward to buy some bindings.
I don’t really want to spend more than $150-$170 so looking on past season models.
Want to get something with good board feel which is not ‘dead under foot’ and has mid flex.
Also I want both 4×4 and 2×4 compatibility to be able to use those slambacks for powder days.
Was looking at Salomon Defender, Burton Mission, Rome 390 Boss. There were some Union binding but their sizing sucks for 10US boots from what I’ve read.
Please let me know your opinion. Much appreciated.
None of the above. Snag a last year set of Nitro Teams or Phantoms.
Hi there, looking at the Yes Standard 159 v 164w Jones Explorer, improving intermediate 85kg (US13) riding groomers, treeline and Japan POW? Cheers C
Explorer.
Angry, I am looking at this board to replace my 2014 jibsaw 159. I am 175lbs, boots size 11. I like my jibsaw, but i feel it may be still oversized for me. I rode 162 burton custom and nitro thunder before the jibsaw, I was obsessed with long boards for some reason (probably stubborness) and going down to 159 seemed already a lot when I got the jibsaw. Now that I saw the benefits of a shorter board I was thinking of going even shorter, so I was considering the 156 standard for several reasons, one of them being its 258 waist that will accomodate my boot size even better than the 254 waist on the jibsaw… I am an intermediate (old) snowboarder, I can ride everywhere on the mountain but I do not care for park or jumps and I really love trees and pow. Will the standard fit this picture?
Sure.
Improving intermediate – if you would have to pick one, which deck would get one least likely killed or quit snowboard.
Yes standard orJones mountain twin?
Probably the Jones Mountain Twin, but just get a Jones Explorer instead.
Hey! Beg-int not really going to be in the park at all, mostly carving, groomers and occasional fresh pow. Looking for a well rounded board. Narrowed it down to the Capita mercury or the Yes Standard. 5’11, 190, boot size 11. Which would you recommend?
I wouldn’t unless you’re a solid intermediate. Instead go look at the Yes Libre.
Hey Angry,
great site, love your reviews.
I have a quick general question, how you would define what a beginner, intermediate, advanced or expert rider is?
I ask because I always thought I was a low end intermediate, but when looking at some sites with level ratings and shit for lessons I think I may actually be in the advanced area. I also ask because judging from some of your comment responses you seem to indicate this board might be a bit much for someone at the beginners/intermediate level.
I take the information presented to me and how it’s worded. There’s always a dead giveaway in the phrasing on what the person actually knows coupled with their stats and where they ride that give away what level they’re at. People don’t realize they give away more information this way.
Beginner: Someone that doesn’t know their ass from a hole in the ground and will say stupid things like I can carve hard and charge but yet has ridden 5 times in their life and is still using rental equipment. Scared of things like torsional flex, magnetraction, camber.
Intermediate: Someone that understands they have an ass and that there is a hole in the ground. They can link turns, occasionally rip a carve, are trying out “glades” and ride with their “skier friends”. Generally afraid of things like “The big jumps in the park”, rails boxes, bumpy uneven terrain, and going “real real real” fast.
Advanced: Has bought a snowboard or two, knows what worked didn’t work, realizes that they know their ass from a hole in the ground but might not know the difference between a twin, directional twin or sintered and extruded bases. Generally afraid of people hitting them from behind, spinning more than a 360, and making a bad investment both financially and in a snowboard.
haha, damn thats funny, i guess thats me in the intermediate range then :p
Hey Angry,
Great site, solid reviews. Like many in the comments I’m stuck between Cap Merc 159 and YES Standard 156. Stats: 5’10, 175, Boots size 11, Int/advanced. Hit the glades and freeride more than the park but I do enjoy jumps and jibbing every now and again. Have a more playful style so leaning toward the Standard. Any advantage to going with the Merc?
And do you have binding suggestions for each board? Size 11 always seem to be in between M and L sizes.
The Merc will have more of a freestyle focus and easier flex to it. The new Arbor line of bindings is pretty solid but you can’t go wrong with the Katana from Rome.
Hi Angry, reading these comments is so much fun ^^
I have another one for you: for some one who weighs about 180, boot 10.5 and 6.4 tall. Rides mostly groomers, trees, beneath the lifts, backcountry.
Riding Keys: stable on ice, stable at speed, but nimble in trees / moghuls, fast edge to edge with some extra pop in the turns.
YES Standard or Pick Your Line ? Or something else entirely? ^^
I’d probably do the PYL.
Hi and thanks mr. Angry! Care to elaborate a bit on why? ( I know this calls for a short ‘no’ hahah)
Because I said so.
I’m on the east coast and get out west at least once a year. Do a lot of tree riding, Backcountry and jumps. You think this board or PYL?
Probably go with the Standard as that’s going to be better if you’re spinning a jump.
Edge to edge gonna be okay for the trees on the standard?
Should be.
What do like more
Yes basic or Rome national?
I like non vague questions.
i guess the answer would be what would you suggest between the two for an allmountain board for carving at speeds, jumping of mostly natural features and powder riding?
“question” not “answer”
Actually im baked the question is between the Yes Standard and the Rome National
One should learn to control their vices before going in search of advice. Either board works.
The original questions was written in a unaltered state however the fallowing were not
Thanks 🙂
Hey angry so I decided on the national but I’m inbetween sizes
156
Or
158
I’m 511 and 165 to 170 pounds with size 10 boot
56
Just wondering how you found the 159 in regards of width. Would you of preferred the 156? I’m size 11 tm2 two boots just trying to find my sizing. I’m a little worried about the width of the 159 will make it a bit of a slow turner and wondering if it’s worth downsizing to a 156 but the stance seems a little narrow
Width was fine, you have an 11 it won’t kill you to be on something with a bit more girth. The sidecut is dialed and you’ll be able to rail on it if you know how to ride, if you’re compensating for a lack of ability then yes a 56 would be better because you don’t have the muscle memory or skill to ride a bigger board.